CBA boys bounce Saints

The Golden Falcons captured a 69-66 victory and grabbed a tie for first place in the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference standings.

"I thought our guys came out with confidence and we played very well early on offense," said C.B. Aycock head coach David West. "Every night in this league you have to bring your best game from the opening minute."

The Golden Falcons controlled the glass in the first quarter as they built an early 17-15 lead. In the second quarter, Terrance Drakeford stole the show with three 3-pointers and the visitors extended the advantage to as many as 12 points.

C.B. Aycock held a 33-23 lead at the halftime break.

"I thought the difference in the game was the hustle plays in the first half," said Saints head coach Russell Stephens. "We were getting beat to loose balls and getting beat to rebounds. I have not seen this team get out-hustled very many times."

Southern Wayne bounced back in the second half. Behind point guard Justin Artis, the Saints asserted themselves offensively and attacked the basket. Forwards Khari Faison and Rashaad Hill also evened the rebounding totals by staying home on the weak-side.

After three quarters, the Golden Falcons' advantage was cut to four points. Artis sank the opening shot of the fourth period to pull the Saints within one possession.

"There are no runaway games in this conference," said West. "It sounds cliché but anyone can beat anyone on a given night. You have to play all four quarters."

Drakeford buried a fourth 3-pointer and the Saints could not get the stops they needed in the final minutes. Isaac Ryals scored seven of his team-high 17 points in the final period.